South Africa is the 106th happiest nation out of the 156 nations in the Gallup World Happiness Report for 2019 and the unhealthiest country in the world, according to the latest Indigo Wellness Index.
And then there are the side effects of the daily work commute South Africans worry about as well.
Blood pressure
A quasi-experimental study undertaken by the Journal of Applied Psychology, which assessed the effects of routine exposure to traffic congestion on the mood, physiology, and task performance of passenger car commuters, found that commuting distance, time and travel speed, are significantly correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
“No one likes to feel trapped in a tiny cramped space, idling along at a snail’s pace, particularly when you know you’re most likely going to be late for work or a meeting,” explained Bridget Edwards, a specialist stress consultant, speaker, author, and counsellor.
Edwards said commuters become increasingly agitated, frustrated or anxious as a result, and their stress levels automatically rise.
“…Whilst stuck in traffic, there is no other natural outlet for that sudden surge of stress chemical induced energy. It’s unfortunately that simple. The body’s stress (survival) response is controlled by the amygdala, a tiny set of neurons in the brain located at the end of the hippocampus, and deep within the brain’s temporal lobe.
“The function of the amygdala is to protect the body from any threat, be it a big, small, real or perceived threat, which is picked up from any one of the six senses, emotions and thoughts. In truth, stress is anything that triggers the amygdala. Instantaneously the body is flooded with stress chemicals. When this happens, we quite simply ‘lose it’.”
GFIP to the rescue
By paying for e-tolls, Gauteng road users will give Sanral the green light to commence with the next phases of the critically important Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP), which includes the construction of an additional 158km of brand new, and 223km of upgraded roads.
After this phase, a new freeway will link the R21 in Boksburg to the Geldenhuys interchange. A parallel freeway will run next to the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Another new road will connect Roodepoort to Tembisa. And there will be a new link around Pretoria to Mamelodi, as well as a freeway link between Soweto, the Westrand and the Johannesburg CBD.
The next phases of GFIP will increase our travel speeds and reduce congestion in the province, which will mean less traffic-induced stress for road users.
Things commuters can do to reduce their travel stress:
“While driving, indulge yourself by listening to calm, soothing music,” Edwards recommended. “Listen to motivational talks that add value and inspire. Do not listen to talk radio shows, which focus on stress-inducing bad news stories – this negativity/news simply annoys, frustrates or angers most people, and thus fuels or exacerbates their stress levels.”
Edwards added that when she worked with road rage clients, she specifically teaches them three body-mind calming techniques, one of which is a breathing exercise that helps to maintain a relaxed state.
“Avoid drinking coffee, or any other stimulants like energy drinks or sodas. Stimulants stimulate the stress response i.e. one’s stress levels are already increasingly higher by the time you get into a vehicle. The other biggie to avoid are steroids – they generally make people more aggressive.”
It’s also important to get plenty of quality sleep.
Turn off your cell phone and WiFi before going to bed because the electromagnetic radiation (EMRs) interfere with the brainwaves, so the mind and body don’t completely relax. Also, don’t watch TV for at least one hour before going to sleep.
“TV stimulates the brain, when in fact, it should be winding down, and relaxing when you nod off to sleep,” said Edwards. “Rather relax, take a hot bath, cuddle or snuggle, read a nice book – anything that helps you unwind before sleeping. The next day you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised, ready to take on the day, and less likely to snap so quickly in the traffic.”
Drink lots of still water. Water hydrates both body and mind and is crucial for optimal brain functions. Water conducts electricity, and the brain needs that for its electrical circuitry to function successfully.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and raw vegetables, instead of cooked, stodgy and fatty junk foods. This helps to support both body and mind’s optimal functioning, adding additional support to all the tips above. A healthy mind and body are less likely to be triggered in traffic.
Make peace with the world
It’s a given, while living in Gauteng, that much of the time you will be stuck in traffic. Make peace with that fact. Accept it. Plan your daily commute by giving yourself at least 10-15 minutes extra in either direction so you can drive calmly to your destination.
“You don’t need to overreact,” Edwards implored. “Simply let it go. Set the example by being the bigger person – always be courteous, nice and kind in traffic. Wave and smile at people – they’ll be surprised – you’ll make their day and yours too. Set a proactive, positive intention to be, and stay relaxed in the traffic no matter what. Intentions carry enormous power in terms of mind control.”
Almost every aspect of life is completely outside of our control, from birth to death and everything else in between.
“No matter how much we plan or prepare for the inevitable, things will still go wrong, and turn out differently from our expectations. This is where having a yogic, meditative mindset really helps and works best. Simply allow, let go, relax and, as the saying goes, enjoy the ride.
“After all it’s the journey, not the destination, that is important, and what counts the most in life. Nothing is ever as important or urgent as it seems. Unfortunately, that’s what most Gautengers forget. They forget to smell the roses and savour the precious moments along the way.” .
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